Shedeur Sanders seized his opportunity and silenced his critics in his first preseason game with the Cleveland Browns. In an open race for the starting quarterback job against Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett, the rookie couldnât afford to fail.
Now, the depth chart has likely undergone a major shakeup. With Gabriel and Pickett injured, Sanders seems to have moved up to No. 2 behind Flacco. This was his reaction after the victory against the Carolina Panthers.
âWell, Iâm comfortable with being uncomfortable. So, thatâs what it is. I got pockets of finding my rhythm. I got to get into that quicker regardless of anything, but, overall, I felt like me out there. I couldnât do it, of course, without the time. I couldnât do it without the play calling. I couldnât do without anything. So, Iâm just thankful to even be able to have the joy of just being on the field. Carrying the responsibility of doing the right thing.â
Is Shedeur Sanders starting QB for the Browns?
No. Shedeur Sanders is not the starting quarterback for the Browns because Kevin Stefanski has not yet confirmed who will get the job in a very intriguing competition with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett.
However, Sanders has taken the first important step with his performance against Carolina. There no longer seems to be any reason to consider a roster cut, and in the worst-case scenario, he has already shown several teams that he has the talent to play in the NFL.

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Shedeur Sanders warns rest of the NFL after being rejected by Steelers and other teams in 2025 Draft
What happened with Shedeur Sanders?
Shedeur Sanders had a great debut with the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns. After the game in Carolina, several reporters asked the quarterback if he was ever nervous at any point.
âIâm going to be honest. I wasnât nervous. I didnât really have too much adrenaline. It was just getting comfortable. Thatâs all it is. I know Iâm ready for the moment. Did I play up to par? No, I donât feel like I did. But, overall, the main goal was to win and thatâs just honestly what we did. I feel like we operated the huddle really good. So, itâs just the small details that we practice on and we talk about. Towards the end, Iâll say we got a little sloppy.â





